David Guion, coach of Reims, after qualifying his training against Strasbourg in the quarterfinals (0-0, 4-2 on penalties), Tuesday evening: “I told my players that you had to experience emotions, which was the case with this match. During the first hour, the two teams were very well organized. The Strasbourg residents had arranged two lines of four and played long on Ajorque with percussion around him. We were not holding the ball. We lacked impact and weight before to be more dangerous. Despite everything, we had a few situations.
– –
The Strasbourg people brought a lot of power and we suffered. The expulsion of Nathanaël (Mbuku, 59th) makes sense. We then changed our method. In our heads, we put ourselves in an exceptional state. We suffered. And very well defended. I know it is not very rewarding for football but we could not do anything else. We tried to speed up with Donis in front. But Strasbourg was well organized on the transitions and we never could take advantage of it.
– –
We know that the Cup mentality is decisive. My team was up to the event. And serene in the penalty shootout. The boys allowed themselves to dream to get this semi-final. We want to do something in this Cup where I always put my best team.
– –
(about Nathanaël Mbuku, expelled at the 59th) I wanted a boy who brings percussion and provokes. I just talked to him. He is very disappointed. You might think it was not a good thing to have brought him in. He did not make a very interesting entry. He lost his first two balloons and got angry. And commits an excess of commitment. He must be able to better manage his emotions. “
– – .
